The Chiefs were encouraged that MRI results on Hali's injured right ankle showed only what coach Andy Reid called a "slight sprain" and not a high ankle injury that could threaten his availability to play for several weeks.

Hali was on crutches in the locker room after Sunday's 41-38 loss to the San Diego Chargers. Reid made no commitment that Hali would be ready to practice Wednesday or play for the Chiefs against the Denver Broncos next weekend at Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams are 9-2 and tied atop the AFC West.

"He made big improvements from yesterday, but we'll have to see how he does," Reid said. "He came in [Monday] with one crutch, so we're halfway there."

Houston has what Reid called a subluxation of his right elbow. He was also scheduled for an MRI on Monday, but it was postponed because of swelling.

"After the game they were trying to keep the swelling down, but you could see after the game it was puffing up a little bit, and then overnight it was swollen even more," Reid said.

Houston appeared in the Kansas City locker room on Monday with his arm tightly bound and in a sling. When he was approached by reporters, Houston said he was told not to say anything.

Houston and Hali both went to the Pro Bowl last season and have 20 sacks between them this year.

They were replaced Sunday against the Chargers by Frank Zombo and Dezman Moses. Zombo was signed as a free agent in the offseason from the Green Bay Packers. Moses joined the Chiefs at the start of the regular season as a waiver claim from Green Bay.